SCHKOPAU, Germany — Polish synthetic rubber producer Synthos S.A. and Sumitomo Rubber Industries Ltd. have agreed to collaborate on the development, testing and evaluation of recycled rubber and its use in the production of new tires.
The agreement covers the use of Synthos' TyreXol high-performance rubber powder, which is derived from end-of-life tire treads, and which Synthos sources from Préverenges , Switzerland-based Tyre Recycling Solutions S.A.
The partnership will "actively seek ways to keep valuable end-of-life raw materials in their material cycle," according to Malte Wohlfahrt, Synthos' research/development director.
The project, Synthos said, aims to create a circular solution that enables a "significant improvement in the environmental footprint of tires, without compromising safety, durability and rolling resistance."
It is encouraging "that closed-loop solutions are increasingly part of the innovation and technology development conversations," Malte added.
Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
This is Synthos' second joint R&D project with a major tire maker. In late 2023 Synthos and Kumho Tire Co. Inc. agreed to work together on developing more sustainable raw materials for tires.
In that case, the two companies are conducting research into neodymium-butadiene rubber using bio-butadiene, with the aim of expanding environmentally friendly synthetic rubber in tire manufacturing.
The goal in both cases is to accelerate the development of sustainable synthetic rubber tire formulations through increased use of recycled tires.
Oswiecim, Poland-based Synthos has received ISCC Plus certification for its entire portfolio of synthetic rubber products across production facilities in Germany, Czech Republic and Poland, the company said. The company calls itself the largest producer of synthetic rubber in Europe, and aims to support tire makers in their pursuit of sustainability.